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A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has stated it was obliged to humanely kill two of its elderly lions, with the outcome of the other five lions still uncertain, following monetary problems.

The private wildlife sanctuary in the northern city of Whangārei shut down over the past weekend.

In a social media announcement, the facility explained that its proprietor had listed the land up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “after a tough decision made by the landowner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The employees and I are devastated,” stated the park’s director.

“Even though it may potentially continue as a lion park under fresh proprietors, such a scenario would require not only the acquisition of the land but significant capital investment,” the operator explained.

In a subsequent announcement, the sanctuary confirmed that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“We recently farewelled Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had grave illnesses that were untreatable and were declining. These choices were made with profound consideration and consideration,” the director remarked.

However, there was a “flicker of optimism” for the remaining five lions, which the park had previously indicated would be euthanised.

“A handful of parties have indicated willingness in purchasing the establishment and continuing to care for the lions. While the timeframe is limited and the conditions remain uncertain, we are doing our utmost to pursue this opportunity and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “practical or humane choice” due to their advanced age, the number of cats involved, and their complex needs.

The sanctuary’s updates were overwhelmed by responses from the community, requesting a stay of execution for the surviving lions, while ex-employees expressed hope that the facility would reconsider the decision to put them down.

The operator noted that amid the kind messages and messages of sorrow, she had also encountered hostile and abusive remarks.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she said. “We acknowledge that feelings are intense, but we request consideration and respect as we handle this heartbreaking circumstance.”

The property owner declined to comment.

The regulatory body indicated that the decision to humanely kill the lions rested with the proprietors, and that it had been notified of the course of action.

A high-ranking officer stated that putting down had to be conducted ethically, and in line with wildlife regulations.

“An animal welfare inspector will be onsite to ensure this is done correctly,” the official stated. “We are assured that the facility continues to fulfill its animal welfare and security responsibilities.”

The facility achieved a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it was shown on a TV program about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it rapidly faced challenges. In 2009, a staff member was mauled to death by a big cat while performing maintenance.

The facility often experienced monetary difficulties and workforce challenges, and had multiple owners multiple times. In 2014, the regulatory body instructed the establishment to shut down until the facilities were modernized. It restarted in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.